Abstract: A drive device (1) for a bicycle (100), includes a sensor for detecting a crank angle and a rotational speed of the pedal crankshaft and generating appropriate sensor data, a sensor for detecting a rotational speed of the driven shaft and generating appropriate sensor data, a sensor for detecting a rotational speed of the rotor shaft and generating appropriate sensor data, and a control device (10), which is configured to process the sensor data and control, by way of an open-loop system, a downshift from a currently engaged gear into a next-smaller gear as a function of the sensor data by energizing the electric machine (7).

Abstract: A drive device (1) for a bicycle (100) includes a transmission (2) having a sensor for detecting a crank angle and a rotational speed of a pedal crankshaft and generating appropriate sensor data, a sensor for detecting a rotational speed of a driven shaft and generating appropriate sensor data, a sensor for detecting a rotational speed of the rotor shaft and generating appropriate sensor data, and a control device (10) configured for processing the sensor data and controlling by way of an open-loop system, a downshift from a currently engaged gear into a next-smaller gear as a function of the sensor data by energizing an electric machine (7).

Abstract: A method transmits temporally successive datasets of a position sensor via an Ethernet network, wherein a respective dataset of the position sensor consists of a maximum of 4 bits. The method includes the steps of: continuous reading, by a reference component connected to the Ethernet network, of the datasets of the position sensor which are to be transmitted; and continuous writing, by the reference component, of a respective dataset to a 4-bit transmit register of a Media Independent Interface of the reference component.

Abstract: The recognition of a polyphase machine (1) connected to a converter (10) is suggested in order to adapt the converter (10) to the connected machine (1) prior to an active productive operation. The following is arranged for. Connecting of the polyphase machine with its several electric phases to the converter (10). Supplying of at least a first and a second test signal from the converter (10) to at least one of the several electric phases of the connected machine. Measuring of at least two causal sequences of the test signals. Evaluating of the measuring result to obtain measuring values (r1, r2) and allocating of these measuring values to a comparison function (60, 50). Comparing of the comparison function with a reference function (60a, 60b, 50a, 50b) which represents one type of a polyphase machine.

Abstract: A device is used for supplying fuel to a burner in a fuel cell system with a reformer. The fuel comprises a materials flow of a reformate gas, which materials flow is depleted of hydrogen, and a materials flow of a compound which comprises carbon and hydrogen. According to the invention, the device comprises at least one nozzle means in which the two materials flows can be mixed together. At least one of the materials flows is controllable as far as its through-flow is concerned.

Abstract: The recognition of a polyphase machine (1) connected to a converter (10) is suggested in order to adapt the converter (10) to the connected machine (1) prior to an active productive operation. The following is arranged for. Connecting of the polyphase machine with its several electric phases to the converter (10). Supplying of at least a first and a second test signal from the converter (10) to at least one of the several electric phases of the connected machine. Measuring of at least two causal sequences of the test signals. Evaluating of the measuring result to obtain measuring values (r1, r2) and allocating of these measuring values to a comparison function (60, 50). Comparing of the comparison function with a reference function (6a, 60b, 50a, 50b) which represents one type of a polyphase machine.

Abstract: A method for starting a gas generating system serving to generate a hydrogenous gas used for operating a fuel cell. The gas generating system includes: devices for converting starting materials into the hydrogenous gas; devices for conditioning at least a portion of the starting materials; devices for purifying the hydrogenous gas by removing unwanted gas constituents, and; a starting burner. According to the method, in a first method step, at least one fuel is combusted inside the starting burner. The hot waste gases resulting from this combustion firstly heat the devices provided for conditioning at least a portion of the starting materials, and the residual heat of these waste gases subsequently heats at least one additional component. In parallel thereto, the devices for converting the starting materials are heated by an electric heating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst body with one or several layer elements with etched cavities, through which flowing media may flow, such as for example, pores or channels. The cavities are essentially arranged perpendicular to the layer elements and the production is by means of etching methods from semiconductor technology.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for starting a gas generating system (1) serving to generate a hydrogenous gas used for operating a fuel cell. The gas generating system comprises: devices for converting starting materials into the hydrogenous gas; devices for conditioning at least a portion of the starting materials; devices for purifying the hydrogenous gas by removing unwanted gas constituents, and; a starting burner (11). The invention provides that, in a first method step, at least one fuel is combusted inside the starting burner. The hot waste gases resulting from this combustion firstly heat the devices provided for conditioning at least a portion of the starting materials, and the residual heat of these waste gases subsequently heats at least one additional component. In parallel thereto, the devices for converting the starting materials are heated by an electric heating.

Abstract: A device is used for supplying fuel to a burner in a fuel cell system with a reformer. The fuel comprises a materials flow of a reformate gas, which materials flow is depleted of hydrogen, and a materials flow of a compound which comprises carbon and hydrogen. According to the invention, the device comprises at least one nozzle means in which the two materials flows can be mixed together. At least one of the materials flows is controllable as far as its through-flow is concerned.

Abstract: This invention describes a process for agglomerating particles into fractal structures of designed size and distribution. The present invention relates generally to the production of particle agglomerates, tailored to a specific size and structure, from initially dispersed particles.

Abstract: A fuel cell method and apparatus includes upstream reforming of hydrocarbons and/or alcohols, with water contained in the exhaust air stream of the fuel cell system being recovered. An absorption unit is connected into the exhaust air stream of the fuel cell, and water absorbed therein is released in a desorption unit, preferably by means of heated air to be supplied, and/or by heating the glycol solution. The moist air can subsequently be returned to the fuel cell system or the reforming unit. This makes it possible to recover all of the process water, and to operate the system at low pressure.

Abstract: A reactor system for producing hydrogen from a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon derivative using autothermal reformation includes a mixture formation chamber, an autothermal reactor, and a temperature-regulated start-up burner. The start-up burner combusts the hydrocarbon or the hydrocarbon derivative with air so as to heat the mixture formation chamber and/or the autothermal reactor to a respective operating temperature. An air supply is metered to the start-up burner so as to regulate the temperature of hot gas coming out of the start-up burner to a value near or below a deterioration temperature of the catalyst material, before the hot gas contacts the mixture formation chamber and/or the autothermal reactor.

Abstract: A fuel cell method and apparatus includes upstream reforming of hydrocarbons and/or alcohols, with water contained in the exhaust air stream of the fuel cell system being recovered. An absorption unit is connected into the exhaust air stream of the fuel cell, and water absorbed therein is released in a desorption unit, preferably by means of heated air to be supplied, and/or by heating the glycol solution. The moist air can subsequently be returned to the fuel cell system or the reforming unit. This makes it possible to recover all of the process water, and to operate the system at low pressure.